Floyd Wayne Harshberger, 85, longtime Minot building contractor died on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in a Minot nursing home.

Floyd was born on September 27, 1923 in Minot, ND, to Edward and Carrie (Johnson) Harshberger. He was reared in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1942. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 18, 1942. He served in the Panama Headquarters Squadron of Fleet Airwing #3. Following his honorable discharge on December 18, 1945, he returned to Minot where he was employed by Evenson Construction for two years prior to establishing Harshberger Construction in 1947. This construction company, specializing in custom home building, remodeling, and commercial construction projects, was owned and operated by Floyd for 40 years until he retired in 1986. He continued part time carpentry projects following retirement.

Floyd was united in marriage to Ione Enga of Rugby on October 2, 1949. They resided in Minot where they raised their family. His greatest talent, aside from being a highly skilled carpenter, was being a kind and loving husband and a wonderful father.

Floyd was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, was an usher, volunteered his time and talent to church remodeling and repair projects, and helped with the annual Lutefisk dinner (despite his intense dislike of Lutefisk). He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, Elk's Lodge, Eagles Aerie, and American Legion, and was a founding member of the Minot Association of Homebuilders, where he served on the board of directors and was once Minot Builder of the Year. He also served as a Hostfest hall manager for 15 years. He especially enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking and feeding birds.

Floyd is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Ione Harshberger; son: David (Paulette) Harshberger of Phoenix, AZ, and grand-children Kelly of Tucson, and Michael (Kim) of Phoenix; son: Robert (Diana) Harshberger of Fargo, and granddaughter Keri of Fargo; daughter: Mary Harshberger of Minot, and grandsons Jared Foley of Grand Forks, and Ryan Foley of Fargo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Christian Robert Harshberger, sisters, Catherine McQueen and Dorothy Taylor, and brother Charles.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in the Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church or to an organization of the donor's choice.